Baker & McKenzie LLP
09/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2025 04:47
Baker McKenzie Celebrates Partner of the Year (Southern Africa) Win at the 2025 African Legal Awards
Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie is proud to announce that Michelle Porter-Wright, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution in South Africa, has been named Partner of the Year (Southern Africa) at Law.com's 2025 African Legal Awards, held in Johannesburg on Friday 5 September.
This award recognizes Michelle's exceptional leadership, client service and contribution to the legal profession across the region. It reflects Baker McKenzie's continued commitment to delivering high-impact legal solutions across Africa through deep local expertise and seamless global collaboration.
Partner of the Year - Southern Africa
Michelle leads the Firm's Dispute Resolution practice in Johannesburg and is widely regarded as a go-to advisor on complex energy and infrastructure disputes. She has advised on some of the world's largest projects in these sectors and is known for her strategic insight and client-first approach.
This recognition follows a series of accolades for Michelle in 2024, including Lexology's Client Choice award for Construction in South Africa and Acquisition International's Contract Administration & Dispute Resolution Advisor of the Year. Her work continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the region.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Lerisha Naidu, Country Managing Partner, said:
Michelle's win is a powerful endorsement of her excellence, integrity and commitment to our clients. She leads from the front on complex mandates and invests deeply in her teams. Her exceptional technical acumen and ability to translate complex challenges into innovative solutions continue to set a benchmark for mastery within our profession and across the African continent.
Michelle Porter-Wright added:
"I'm honored to receive this recognition. It reflects the extraordinary teamwork of my colleagues in Johannesburg and across the Baker McKenzie network, and the trust our clients place in us. I remain committed to advancing our clients' goals and contributing to a strong, collaborative legal profession in Southern Africa."
This award recognizes Michelle's exceptional leadership, client service and contribution to the legal profession across the region. It reflects Baker McKenzie's continued commitment to delivering high-impact legal solutions across Africa through deep local expertise and seamless global collaboration.
Partner of the Year - Southern Africa
Michelle leads the Firm's Dispute Resolution practice in Johannesburg and is widely regarded as a go-to advisor on complex energy and infrastructure disputes. She has advised on some of the world's largest projects in these sectors and is known for her strategic insight and client-first approach.
This recognition follows a series of accolades for Michelle in 2024, including Lexology's Client Choice award for Construction in South Africa and Acquisition International's Contract Administration & Dispute Resolution Advisor of the Year. Her work continues to set benchmarks for excellence in the region.
Speaking after the awards ceremony, Lerisha Naidu, Country Managing Partner, said:
Michelle's win is a powerful endorsement of her excellence, integrity and commitment to our clients. She leads from the front on complex mandates and invests deeply in her teams. Her exceptional technical acumen and ability to translate complex challenges into innovative solutions continue to set a benchmark for mastery within our profession and across the African continent.
Michelle Porter-Wright added:
"I'm honored to receive this recognition. It reflects the extraordinary teamwork of my colleagues in Johannesburg and across the Baker McKenzie network, and the trust our clients place in us. I remain committed to advancing our clients' goals and contributing to a strong, collaborative legal profession in Southern Africa."
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